ALBANY (AP) -- Standardized test scores for New York schoolchildren dropped so much this year after a testing format change that the state's Board of Regents is relaxing a regulation requiring extra help for low-scoring kids.

The percentage of students with a passing grade on the state's exam was cut in half this past year after the introduction of new tests based on different academic standards.

Under existing state rules, that drop in scores would require districts across the state to give remedial education services to huge numbers of kids, at great expense.

The Post-Standard, of Syracuse, reports ( http://bit.ly/16seBIf ) that the board plans to alter the regulations Monday because of cost concerns.

Some students will still get extra help, but only the kids at the very bottom of the scoring curve.